Agro-chemical industry: globally competitive cluster with Chinese aid to be created

Federal Minister for Interior, Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal said on Monday that the ruling government would create a globally competitive cluster of agro-chemical industry in Pakistan with the assistance of Chinese government. "Our Chinese friends had said it very clearly that they want to help Pakistan to become an industrial economy," Ahsan Iqbal said this while speaking to the third CAC Pakistan Summit and Exhibition held at the Expo Centre Lahore late on Monday with an aim to promote agriculture sector of Pakistan.
Quoting Chinese envoys, the federal minister said if Pakistan wants to become an industrial economy, its agriculture sector must be modernized. "Every country that has become an industrial country, it has worst modernised in agriculture." He claimed that Pakistan would be counted among the 21st emerging economies by the end of 2030.
"In 2013, we were at the point where there was no electricity for 20 to 24 hours, but now the international media is saying that Pakistan is becoming an emerging economy," the minister said, adding that Pakistan is now producing three thousand megawatt surplus electricity which reflects effective strategies of the PMN-N government. "In 66 last years, we were only able to produce 16 thousand megawatt."
Dispelling the impression that Pakistan is allegedly providing safe heavens to terrorist, the minister made it clear to the US government that Pakistan has done a lot against the terrorism and its efforts are being recognized world over, adding that ninety nine percent territory of Pakistan has been cleared from such elements. He, however, said that the happening incidents of militancy in the country are being operated from western borders.
LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid highlighted the need and importance of a well performing and high yielding agriculture sector. In case of Pakistan, its significance is not only vital but also critical to ensure viability of economy and long term growth.
"We are aware of limitation of resources, extent of challenges and lack of awareness and drive among the farmers to move to modern technologies in agriculture sector. It is high time that whatever is possible and viable, it must be opted, adopted and applied to improve the present scenario." Director CCIPT Isabel Dong said that Pakistan is a land of opportunities and CPEC is a feather in its cap that would be opening up new avenues for foreign investors as well. Punjab Governer Muhammad Rafique Rajwana also spoke on the occasion.